OMG appoints Doug Pearce as China CEO

In his new role, Pearce is charged with the leadership of all OMG assets in China, working alongside the senior leadership team in China – Ian Lee, COO of OMG; Siew Ping Lim, CEO of OMD; and Mark Heap, CEO of PHD.

Pearce takes over from Elaine Ip who has been appointed business development director for China at Omnicom Group, to help expand existing business in China as well as identify potential growth areas for the group overall in this burgeoning market.

Pearce first joined Accenture in 2007 as North Asia director for the company’s media services business, based in Shanghai.

He has more than 25 years of experience within the media and advertising industry, having led both creative and media agencies. Prior to joining Accenture, he held the position of Greater China CEO at Starcom. Before that he was managing director of Starcom Melbourne and Leo Burnett Shanghai.

Commenting on the move, Pearce said: “I am excited about returning to the agency world.  OMG is a significant and growing business in China and I am sure that I can bring a different perspective and understanding to what clients are looking for from their agencies today that will add real value to the clients of OMD, PHD and M2M.”

Barry Cupples, chief executive officer at Omnicom Media Group Asia-Pacific, said: “Doug brings a wealth of extremely relevant China experience to the OMG operation. His skills as a media practitioner across all forms of today’s media touch points and platforms are unparalleled, and with the support of our strong teams across the brands in China, he will help maintain the fantastic momentum built up over the last three years in sustaining a successful Omnicom Media Group.”

Paying tribute to Ip's contribution to OMG’s success in the PRC, Cupples, said: “Elaine has an outstanding track record in the PRC.  Her depth of experience of a complex market together with her solid industry and client relationships will be of real benefit to Omnicom Group’s ambitions going forward but we are also pleased that she will continue to work with and support Omnicom Media Group China as part of her scope as she transitions into this senior corporate role.”

In October last year, Siew Ping Lim, formely vice-president of Mindshare China, joined OMD as CEO for its China operations. In the same month, Mark Heap was promoted from managing director to CEO at PHD China.